A QUEST - The Tomb of Velix (a TFP RPG - Fantasy)
 

There's no more tilted role-playing so let's set this up here.

I'll be probably doing this in the classic D&D sense.

This is for both role-playing and some hack & slash,
but since this is all in a forum interface, the emphasis of course will be in the action and description.

Anyone that seems to have dropped off, will be "sacrified" in one grusome manner or another.
Sorry, I only want those who participate around.

Be whomever you want, whatever you want.
I'll adjust accordingly.

I'll pace the events with how fast the replies are coming.
And I'll move it along, fast, to get to the "meat" of the story.;)

"I am Vade, and my profession allows me to be known by few. I am a rogue by trade, and a rather successful one at that.

I can pickpockets, disarm traps, and deftly place my blade between shoulder blades without my target being able to cry for help.

I serve whoever pays me well, but am also an adventurer, and often consider the adventure (the hunt) to be payment enough for my services.

I am intrigued by this Tomb of Velix and would be very interested in exploring it. I am sure you could find use of me, as I have many skills that the common adventurer lacks."

OOC: I am very new at this, so if I am doing anything wrong, just let me know. This sounds fun, but I may need guidance (as I'm a n00b), so please just let me know if I am doing something wrong. or if you need more/different information about my character.

The Magistrate raises an eyebrow...

"Well met, Vade. I'm sure that you will be needed to scout and get into the more 'awkward' areas.
You definitely are bold in tongue in comparison to this present company"

"Come now, from the rest of you. Speak up"

The hall echoes as the doors slam open. “Sorry I’m late, but I was off saving the world and such.” The boots of the black haired elf are covered in mud and track footprints on the stone floor. The elf looks around the room with a sparkle in his grey eyes. “What a glum lot this is.”

His hair is tied back in the classic knot work of the northern elves. The leather that covers most of his body is worn and has seen much abuse. The bow he carries is ornate and obviously cared for daily and protruding from the quiver of arrows on his back are perfectly fletched white feathers. Before anyone can interject he bows deeply to the Duke.

“I heard that you were looking for someone to deal with a little problem you had concerning a tomb? If I may introduce myself, I am Sarael.” He looks around as if in anticipation of great rejoicing at the mention of his name.

“Sarael…? The best shot in three kingdoms? Defender of the temple of Tir? No? Destroyer of the black dragon Tenrath? Sarael the blinding arrow? Anything?” With a sigh and more than a little regret he continues, “Word doesn’t get around the way it used to… I’ve come to offer my services.”

There can be heard from one of the tables course, loud laughter, and the clank of a tankard of ale hitting the table. A large half orc rises, still chewing a mouthful of meat from the feast. He is wearing the animal skins of a barbarian, and a large great axe can be seen behind him leaning against the wall just within reach of his huge arms. He opens his mouth to speak, parts of his meal still visible much to the disgust of those who had just turned to hear him speak.

"Ha! We no am need -elves-! They am small, and am breaking easy!" Gell pauses for another bite off of the bone he is knawing and a swig from the tankard of ale, then continues. "You no am wanting small squishy men for quest! You am want orc!" At this statement the half-orc tosses away the turkey leg he was chewing on, picks up his axe, and thumps himself proudly on the chest with a gigantic, meaty fist. "You am need someone big, like Gell! Gell am big enough to be great warrior! Gell am carrying big axe! Gell am go to tomb of... ", the orc pauses, struggling to pronounce the name of the tomb, then smashes his fist on the table in frustration. "Am go to cave and am smash bad things!!"

The orc looks around the room with his eyes narrowed and his axe in hand, as if challenging anyone in the room to pronouce he was not indeed big enough to smash anything that might get in his way. Seeing no challenges he sits down and grabs another handfull of food, satisfied.

Sarael looks offended at the half-orcs remark. Then he smiles and shouts across the room, "Gell! I have obviously been travelling for far to long as a powerful warrior of your stature and obvious skill would have left behind stories of great deeds accomplishments! I'm suprised I have not heard of you! Together we will take the Tomb of Velix and such stories of our bravery will be told for centuries to come!"

From outside a flapping sound can be heard. Through the windows, what seems to be a half man half dragon, appears. He lands just behind the rest of the warriors crouching. As he stands up his golden scale reptillian appearance dissappears, the wings on his back get smaller and withdraw under a dark cloak he wears, his tail dissapearing in the same way. A slight look of pain seems to be on his face.
"Arghh..." he cries lightly as if being whipped across the back "That always hurts.." He looks around at the other warriors giving a cheeky grin and winks cheekily as he pulls the hood of the cloak up over his head to hide his yellow eyes. "I have heard alot from the mouths from where I hail from. I have come to help, that is if I maybe of service to you?" He bows slightly to the Magistrate.

"My name is Darghon" He smiles showing his over sized canines "I come from a long line of were-dragons, we are quite scarce, but you may have heard of us from folk lore or myth, but as you can see we are quite real" he says as he takes a laid back stance.

"I'm good with a bow and arrow, I know a little of all types of elemental magic, but my studies have not been complete yet, the elders sent me here, this is to be one of my tests maybe?" he says pulling a quizical face "..oh and I am skilled in hand to hand combat.

"So tell us of this new evil that seems to be growing..?" He places his hand into a small bag that hangs at his side underneath the coat and a blue aura envelopes the opening of the bag, he pulls out a large shank of meat which in all reality could not fit in the small bag.

Darghon munches on the shank waiting for some info from the magistrate "Oh sorry, please excuse me, it's just that the act of bringing out my wings and hiding them is quite a laboursome effort.. thankyou"

OOC: Hey all, thank goodness for a new RPG thread! I was like nooooo they took it away. As long as it keeps goin I'll be here, I have to work tomorrow and the next day... 12 hour shifts So I'll see what I can post :D

A lithe figure shrouded in nondescript robes stands silently in the shadows. He leans on a carved staff as he watches the proceedings.

Gell looks slightly confused as he sorts through Sarael's myriad of words. He ponders for a moment, a task that seems to be both new and painful to him, then laughs again as he claps the elf across the back in a friendly manner, but still hard enough to cause a person to stumble a bit.
"Thank you small squishy! You am hear more about Gell when he am going into tomb to smash bad things!" Gell flashes a toothy grin at Sarael. "You no am worry though. Gell am make sure you am not get squished. Gell am smash anyone that try to smash my squishy elf friend!"
As the strange half dragon creature enters, Gell's train of thought is quickly lost and he turns his attention toward the newcomer. "You am using magic?" the half orc asks scornfully. "Magic am for small squisheys! Gell am use his own magic! When Gell am hitting squishey animals with axe, squishey animals am disappear!"
Laughing at his own crude joke, Gell's attention shifts again to some trick of light off of his axe blade that has caught his eye. He watches it for a moment, fascinated, before turning to the Duke. "No more talk! Talk am for small squishey men! Gell want to act!"

Moving quickly down the hall towards the gathering a large man in shining chain mail armour walks towards the Duke. He carries a long sword on his side and a crossbow strapped across his back. A long cloak billows out behind him. His brown hair is trimmed well and his grey eyes appear tired.

"Duke, my pardon for arriving late." He says, bowing formally.

"I am Sir Thantos of Moonvale. My Kings lands are far away and word of your request for defenders of the light has just recently arrived. I have riden hard to get here as soon as I did.

To those of you that do not know me, I have been fighting the forces of dark for some time now in an attempt to cleanse this world of it evil influence. None in my kingdom is better with a longsword and my crossbow flys straight and true. But most importantly, my word is my bond for I am a Knight of the Eagle Order. If you will have me for this quest I would be honoured to serve you."

From the kitchens comes a short, fat man in brown robes. His har is cut in the classic circle of the friar and a heavy belt keeps his robe around his rather ample girth. Hanging from the belt are an assortment of tiny fragrant bags, lengths of hair and beads, as well as sheaths for a half dozen different sized knives. He holds a flagon of mead in one hand and turkey leg in the other.
Taking in the assembled group, he breaks out in a broad smile.
"Sorry to be late, I was discussing herb craft with the chef and lost track of time."
Moving to the center of the room in a casual manner, he takes a heavy quaff from his mug.
"I am Father Quadrial. A humble student of god, herbcraft, cooking, and the healing arts. I would like to offer my services if they be so needed by such an august gathering."

Suddenly, a man in a simple grey robe appears in the center of the hall, near the elf and half-orc. He is bald, but by choice, not old age. He carries a small knapsack and a club hangs from his belt. He carefully studies the faces of those who have just spoken, then, looking at the Duke, he announces himself

"Greetings.

I am Vinoh Madren. My guild recently received news of your "predicament" with the Dark at the Tomb. I see that while this assembled party is strong in might and skill, they seriously lack valuable spiritual strength."

Before the cleric can voice his protest. Vinoh addresses everyone, yet his lips do not move.

"When weapons cannot harm the flesh and magic proves futile, you will find that the ability to harness the mind can be a powerful tool. My powers cannot be stolen like a sword or an axe, my mind does not rely on rituals and conjuring... All I must do is focus my will and any challenge can be met."

Vinoh then addresses the Duke verbally. As he speaks, a mug of ale rises from the table and floats gently to him.

"I have some experience with the Dark. They are a very strong and organized lot, to be sure. However, rest assured that you now have the very best help at your disposal, my lord."

The mug reaches his outstreched hand and Vinoh sips from it with a satisfied glint in his eyes.

Seated towards the corner sits a man of patience. Sensing a break in conversation he slowly stands.

"My name is Volksen. I am here on my own behalf and for my own gain. I seek not to help others, only to benefit myself by doing so. I forge the best weapons and know how best to wield them. If you see fit to allowing me passage on this journey you will find that I am not the best team player but I am trustworthy and can get things done."

After his arrogant yet confident speech the dark haired human sits back down to polish off his mead.

*The Magistrate's brow furrows*

"Conduct yourselves formally in the presence of my liege!"
"As you make yourselves known, stand with some honor"
"There will be time for more casual talk during our discussion of the situation."
"Now, if there is not anyone else, we shall....."

*The Duke's eyes squints, and his ornate medalion glows slightly...
he leans forwards on his thone to place a hand lightly on the arm of his man*

"Hold Talos, we haven't finished yet, there seems to be more attending"
"You sir, in the corner....Come forward and make yourself known."

Without emerging from the shadows, the robed figure speaks in a soft voice.

"I am Evenyth. I have answered your summons, as is my duty."

*The Magistrates face shows shock*

"How DARE you countermand our liege's request!!"
"I have a good mind to...."

*The Duke interrupts his man*

"Wait Talos...let him be, he will emerge in his own time"
"I have a feeling....hmm...continue, with your gathering"

*The Magistrates face shows concern*

"hmm...Your desire, sire"
"Those of who have shown and announced, thank you for coming"
"We have adjoining hall with refreshments, where we will meet in the coming hour"
"We will discuss the situation then, My Duke & I have to attend some issues in the meantime"
"Talk amongst yourselves and you are welcome to go in and take part of the foodstuffs"

"Until later, an hour from now"

*The Duke rises from his throne and walk beside the background curtains and his man follows*

In the throne room, which is smaller than you would have thought.
Are a set of guard at the side of each doorway.
The stone is tan and warm
The decor is quality and conservative.

In the hall the Magistrate referred to you see through the doorway a long hall
with a long solid stone table, large leather chairs and the refreshments on the table.
Four large candle-lit chandeliers light the hall.

As the Duke leaves, Vinoh calmly surveys his new "brothers in arms." He is pleasantly surprised by the diversity of this crew, but then his guildmaster had told him that this would be a most peculiar journey.

Not feeling particularly hungry, the mind mage chooses to spend the hour getting to know those who seem most interesting. Since the half-orc is busily depleting the tables' contents and Sarael is already in a discussion with the human knight, his choices were already limited. Finally, he approaches the shade that called itself "Evenyth."

"I can see why the good Duke has summoned you. It is very wise for anyone who faces the Dark to have one of its own in his service."

Evenyth does not reply. Vinoh wishes to know more about this shade, but an increasing tingling sensation in the back of his head convinces him that it migh not want to converse right now. not pushing the situation any further, he turns and walks towards the banquet table and is approached by Father Quadrial.

Father Quadrial:
"I see that the Mind's Eye Guild sent out one of its "potentials" to meet this challenge. Interesting."

Vinoh:
"Ah, Father! Don't worry, I meant no offence during my entrance... It's an honour to meet one such as accomplished as yourself; true altruists are a rarity these days."

FQ: "Mmmh? Do I have a reputation I don't know about?"

V: "If you could see the auras of even one tenth of those around you, you would see my point."

Post removed.

Gell ignores most of those in the room, preferring to involve himself instead in the feast before him. He looks up just in time to see one of the room's chairs turn into a gnome and quickly jumps up, his eyes wide. Gell looks at where the "chair" once stood, then to the peculiar gnome, then looks at his own chair. Extending one finger, Gell pokes the chair cautiously. "Squishy?" he asks inquisitively. He watches the chair a moment longer, then pats the chair. "You no am worry, tiny squishy. Gell no am smashing you any more." Satisfied this other "gnome" will be safe now, Gell opts to stand for the rest of the feast, looking around at those others who gathered in the new room.

Swilling mead, Gell then looks to Vinoh. He watches the mind mage with a mixture of distrust and fear, then points at him. "You no am get in Gell's head! Gell am no want to be flying like cup either!", he states, pointing to the cup Vinoh made to float acrosst the room. "Gell no am liking magic cast on him!"

A man with reptillian eyes and what seems to be claws quietly enters the room, he carries a scimitar, and by his side is a large wolf, he is obviously a druid. "My name is Farrn, and I fear there is an imbalance of nature at the tomb of Velix, I feel I must offer my services to aid you in the adventure."

From the corner, a short bearded man emerges from the shadows. His simple clothes are dingy and worn, and mud-caked strips of cloth are wrapped around his feet.

"Pray, good folk, allow me to accompany ye's on yer's way. M,name's Randof and I've had some sense knocked inta' me along the way"

He smiles a grin of missing and rotten teeth and hefts a thick club stenciled with strange lettering in the air.

"I'be friends with de fairy, quick wit' the stick, n besides...my bar tab's startin' to run a might high....what say ye?"

Entering from above, a crow lands gracefully. As wings grew, the the beak widened and eventually changing into a mouth. Within seconds the crow changed into a thin tall half-elf in a black robe.
"Where is the Duke..." his old voice echoes as he scans the room with his green glowing eyes.

The guards turn their head and walk toward the robed man. Taking off the hood, the infamous Red Wizard reveals his wrinkle filled face and walked with unatural speed past the guards, toward the table. The enchanting gaze of the wizard froze the guards.
"I see the Duke is not here.... "
"I shall wait." as he sits down

A large gray timberwolf padded into the room. Its keen eyes scanned its surroudings carefully. It lifted its nose to air taking a quick sniff. Suddenly it lurched foward, as if to stand on its back legs. Hair suddenly and quickly was absorbed into the body. Hunches rolled back to become legs. The front paws were brought foward, sprouting fingers and becoming human like. Black hair sprouted on the head as the muzzle melted into a human face. The werewolf looked around with green yellow eyes. Its human form stood there in leather armor, glancing about the hall. It quietly goes over and takes a seat

Sarael turns with a glimmer of regognition in his eye, "Now I know that Mage anywhere! Where have you been?!" Sarael Forces a hug upon the red mage who seems not all too pleased with the physical contact. "MY GOD! It's been about half a year. Now... if my memory serves me correctly, and it usually does, I owe you a drink for that time you saved my life back in the Ruins of Thera!"

Sarael looks around with laughter on his face, "Someone bring this man a bottle of the finest red wine you have and bill it to my room!"

Bored, the half orc wanders across the room to where the gnome is standing. Gell looks intently into the opening of the gnome's pack as he speaks, first curious, then fascinated by the various shiny objects he sees inside.
"Hello tiny-squishy-chair-man. Me am Gell, great orc warrior! Who you am being?" The orc pauses slightly, looking at the small creature for a moment as he waits for a response, then shifting his attention back to the pack the gnome carries as a reflection of light catches his eye.
"What you am having in bag? That am great big bag for tiny man to carry." Gell stops to ponder this mystery, then grins widely at the gnome as understanding sets in. "Gell see! You am be great warrior like Gell, am carrying big bag to be strong like orc!" Gell nods appreciatively, confident in his reasoning and impressed by the gnome despite his stature. "Me am glad you here, tiny chair-warrior. We am fight bad things in tomb, go back to tribe and tell stories of great things we am doing!"

"How long must we wait?" Farrn says quietly . "The malicious power in the tombs grows every second we waste."

Post removed.

Sarael walks over to Farrn, "You should give them a chance. With the calibur of adventures we have here it will be an easy task to cleanse the tomb no matter what evil grows within its foul depths!"

He grins and places and arm around Farrns shoulder, "There is little advantage to winning if one wins too easily." Saraels laughter fills the hall as he claps the lizard man firmly on the shoulder.

Evenyth catches the gaze of the elf, sending chills along his spine.

"Do not be overconfident, Sarael. It will take far more than clever illusion or sharp steel to defeat my former master. Men and elves, brave and noble as all here have died by his hands. Be wary."

The werewolf sat silently, like a stone statue. His yellow eyes glanced around. Thoughts flickered through his mind. The manwolf would not speak unless spoken too, a clear purpose beginning to formulate in his head. Would this tomb hold the fetish his ancestors sought..

OOC: EDIT- This was supposed to be me "Cubby" but I didn't realize this browser was logged on as my wife...sorry to confuse all."

Once the magistrate had finished with his speech, Sir Thantos moved into the throne room. Being quite famished from his long ride, he quickly moved over to the table and helped himself to some food and mead.

With a plate of food and a mug of ale he moved over to sit down next to Vade.

"Well met, my name as I'm sure you heard is Thantos. I arrived a little late but if I am not mistaken from overhearing a few people your name is Vade correct? This should be a very interesting adventure with such a mismatch of people and skills. I'd like to discuss something with you in private if you don't mind..."

Gell looks to Faarn and Sarael, then over at the mysterious shadowy figure. He roars with loud, raucous laughter at this proclomation. "Of course men and elves am not enough. They am small and breakable. You am need someone like orc, that am big. It no matter how long we wait, nothing stop orc!"
Belching loudly, he looks around for the magistrate. "Where am squishy man that need us to go in tomb? He am taking long time!"

Evenyth sinks deeper into the shadow near the door. A close observer might notice a dark aura around his hand.

His ears twitched lightly on the coming on footsteps. His shifted his bulk in the chair and waited.

Vinoh is shocked that such a large and motley crew had answered the Dukes summons. Elves, an orc, a gnome, a werewolf, a weredragon, a shade from the Dark, a knight... Such diversity was sure to be quite an advantage against the perils they would face, but separate units would be needed here, with a few experienced leaders.

Sarael, Vade and Evenyth obviously looked like lone-wolves (and the werewolf quite literally so), but Gell, Father Quadrial and Farnn seemed more like team players... The mind mage scanned each person's aura carefully. There is much arrogance and secrets in this hall, with a few souls apparently only interested in serving the greater good. While his own powers are far from perfect, Vinoh knows that he might be useful as a leader or at least part of a scouting party.

*edited by rogue49*

Chanting silently, the Red Wizard's magic filled the room invisibliy. Observing silently, the Red Mage penetrates through clouds of thoughts. Reading one mind afte another, analysing the group. Formulating plans.

*cast detect thoguht/motive with silent spell casting

Father Quadrial's eye twitches and looks around the room.
Somebody was spellcasting. The priest didn't have the skills to caste but he could feel magicks like a itch up and down his spine.
Taking another pull on his flagon of sweet mead, the large man scanned the group.
He had learned many years before (he had not always been a man of the clothe) that a Quest was rarely easy even with the most carefully picked group.
This bunch looked more like a patchwork quilt.

*You all see the candle lights on all four chandeliers flare with an odd color.*

Your spells seems to be distorted, or weak.
Nothing specific is getting through.